Rocks crumble to confirm Kool Kats as champions

SANDY SUTHERLAND

UNBEATEN Edinburgh Kool Kats had been strong favourites for much of the season to retain their Scottish Women’s Basketball League title but, when they narrowly defeated St Mirren 57-56 away at the weekend, they still expected a further challenge to come from Glasgow Rocks.

However, the Rocks crumbled 63-57 at home to Edinburgh University and their outside chance had gone. Kats retained the title with games still to play including a now meaningless away game to Rocks, who have had three defeats already.

The students’ early-season league form had left them trailing but, when they beat the Kats in the Scottish Cup final in their debut in the competition, they gave notice that they will be major contenders for the National Play-Offs. Kings juniors completed a satisfying double for the City of Edinburgh club when they travelled to Paisley to defeat their nearest challengers St Mirren 79-68 and now cannot be caught either, giving new coach Craig Nicol his first trophy success.